[Ian Mason]

Hi all,

I am nearly set up to start cleaning residential homes. All I need now is transport for a 3.5 mtr double ladder.

I am not sure whether to get a car, or a car derived van, & what would be a really reliable & economical make & model to go for, so if any of you have any advice, then please do share.

I`m not sure if it`s the recession, or the scrap it scheme, but their does seem a shortage of what I would class as "medium" priced cars at the moment, so just my luck.

Ian.


 

[mci services]

may i suggest your shoulder and canvass as close to your base as possible, and when that not enough then worry about a car van, it keeps cost down. but if you are rural then sorry you will need transport

[cleewindows]

buy my mint 05 combo crew van twin sld
great van never used for window cleaning looking for 3k or near offer

[daz1977]

it all depends on your budget,  i paid 300 quid for a transit  2 years ago got 18 months out of before i give it away,  you dont need a brand new fancy dandy van, buy something with the idea in mind that it will last 6 months and build up money and get something decent,   an astra or escort should do you

[paulben]

Get a van at least if you get caught short you can take a leak in the back picked up my old escort van for under 500 only expected it to last 1 year still going after 2 . Wouldnt want a new van break my heart when some plonker gives it a bump also if I turn up in a new van custys will think I am overcharging
also if i spill water in back I am not too worried

[jonnyald]

before you buy  checkout the drivers seat as you will be in and out it a lot . i was very lucky in that my window-car had been owned from new by a little old man and was like new . he had ploughed thousands of pounds into its upkeep too .  its a fiat brava diesel and i rate it highly . before that i used a citroen xsara diesel and that was allrite too .

 bu the best car i reck for the job is toyota yaris verso (02-06) they have a sideaways opening back door . i might treat myself to one of them, next

[paulben]

Happy as long as mine keeps going ex builders van unsure how many times around clock and more holes than swiss cheese
check heaters work you need them this time of year

[Ian Mason]

Hi again,

Thanks for all of the replies.

I absolutely hate buying cars, firstly it`s hard trying to find a deecent one, then there is the handing over money part  , & then there is the constant worry of what that strange noise, & how much is that going to cost to fix  .

Thanks again.

[paulben]

buy cheap with 12 months mot and expect to scap it after 12 months any longer is a bonus but I would go for van derived car especially if you have to reverse it along narrow drives

[Scrimble]

get a old astravan

[No Ladders]

If you get a car make sure you tell them you use it for window cleaning.

I know a WC that got stopped a couple of weeks ago in his car with ladders on. As he was driving on normal insurance & not covered for buisness use as many window cleaners with cars do, he is getting done for no insurance.

[Ian Mason]

If you get a car make sure you tell them you use it for window cleaning.

I know a WC that got stopped a couple of weeks ago in his car with ladders on. As he was driving on normal insurance & not covered for buisness use as many window cleaners with cars do, he is getting done for no insurance.

Hi No Ladders,

Very good point, & I have taken this into account on my budget.

Many thanks.

[Sapphire Window Cleaning]

I have an Escort van, very good runner, plus when the time comes to move over to WFP for the bigger jobs then you can fit the system in the back.
Thats what I did.



Matt

[indian larry]

   kimosabe  say  escort van very good i have one  .

[Ian Mason]

Hi,

I am swaying towards an astra van, but my local dealer seems pricey, & the mileage is high.

I shall have to shop around.

Thanks again.

[AuRavelling79]

If you are trad and staying trad then think of your other commitments. Have you already got a car? Then you can use it for trad. to start off.

If/when you get more established is when I would worry about anything more.

If you have no vehicle and no need for anything more than 2 seats then a cheap escort will be fine or a Berlingo if you want to think of wfp in the future - say a 250 tank or even 400 at a push.

If you need family room then an estate is cool and you can go trolley wfp with barrels too or even a 175L tank and reel. Get a Pug 405/406 and you're sorted!